This Mediterranean Lentil Salad is fresh and colorful, filled with tasty veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. The lentils add a nice touch of protein, making it filling!
It’s like summer on a plate! I love how easy it is to whip up, and it always impresses guests. Plus, it’s great for meal prep—just let it chill, and it gets even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lentils: Green or brown lentils are great for this salad due to their sturdy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned lentils. Just rinse and drain them to cut down on cooking time.
Green Beans: Fresh green beans add crunch. If they’re not available, try using snap peas or even frozen green beans—just blanch them straight from frozen.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, crumbled tofu or a vegan feta can work as a substitute. You might want to add a splash of vinegar for the tang!
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley brighten the salad. If you can’t find fresh herbs, dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh really enhances the flavor. You could use basil or cilantro if you prefer a different taste.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its rich flavor. Alternatively, sunflower or avocado oil can be a good replacement if you don’t have olive oil on hand.
How Do I Properly Cook Lentils?
Cooking lentils might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple when you follow these steps. The key is to not overcook them so they hold their shape!
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- In a saucepan, combine rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water or broth. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes. Check for tenderness—cooked lentils should be soft but not mushy!
- Drain any extra liquid and spread them out on a plate to cool. This prevents them from sticking together.
How to Create a Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mediterranean Lentil Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 20-25 minutes cooking the lentils, and the rest of the time putting together the fresh ingredients and dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Lentils:
Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils with 3 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. After cooking, drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool down.
2. Blanch the Green Beans:
While the lentils are cooking, bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. After that, immediately transfer the green beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and set them aside.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils and green beans with the diced red bell pepper and finely chopped red onion. This colorful mix is going to be delicious!
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. This will be the tasty dressing for your salad.
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the lentil mixture and gently toss everything together to combine. Make sure the dressing coats all the ingredients nicely.
6. Add Fresh Herbs and Cheese:
Now, fold in the crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, and parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Don’t shy away from adding a sprinkle more salt and pepper if it suits your taste!
7. Serving Your Salad:
Enjoy your Mediterranean Lentil Salad right away, or for even better flavor, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before serving. This will allow all the delicious flavors to meld together nicely! Bon appétit!
Can I Use Canned Lentils Instead of Dried Ones?
Absolutely! Canned lentils can save you time. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the salad. You can skip the cooking step and proceed with the remaining instructions. Just be sure to adjust seasoning since canned varieties can be salted.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh dill or parsley, you can use dried herbs instead. For dried herbs, use about 1 tablespoon of each as they are more concentrated in flavor. Just add them when mixing in the dressing.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store the Mediterranean Lentil Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify, making it even tastier! Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado. Just make sure to keep the cuts uniform for even mixing and presentation. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
